Simplot and Roquette named Harvest Hero for local donations

As physical neighbours, Simplot and Roquette share a roadway and property line, but for the month of May they will also share the title of ‘Harvest Hero’ after partnering to sponsor 40 emergency food hampers for families in Portage la Prairie as part of Winnipeg Harvest’s program in the month of May.

Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients for food, nutrition and health markets is building the world’s largest pea protein plant in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, “next door” to the J. R. Simplot Company potato processing plant that serves large quick-service-restaurant chains and other U.S. customers in the East, Southeast, and Midwest.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people across the province and that some families right here in Portage la Prairie are having a difficult time making ends meet for a variety of reasons,” says Michelle Finley, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Roquette. “Supporting Winnipeg Harvest is the best way to ensure no local family goes hungry during these uncertain times.”

“This is a difficult time for a lot of people and we felt this was one way we could help some of those with the biggest needs,” said Audrey Comte, Plant Manager of Simplot’s Portage la Prairie processing plant. “Simplot’s purpose is to contribute to feeding the world and that purpose is as important now as it has ever been. The area community has been extremely supportive of us through the years and our support of this effort is one way we can show our thanks.”

“Winnipeg Harvest distributes food to over 300 food banks and partner agencies across Manitoba to ensure that no Manitoban goes hungry. Since COVID-19 struck Manitoba, the need for temporary, emergency food support has increased 30% across the province. Thank you to Roquette and Simplot for helping to provide food support to vulnerable Manitobans in Portage La Prairie,” said Keren Taylor-Hughes, CEO, Winnipeg Harvest.

Anyone interested in becoming a Harvest Hero and sponsoring an emergency food hamper for a local Portage la Prairie family can donate online at Winnipegharvest.org.

Roquette is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of new vegetal proteins.

In collaboration with its customers and partners, the Group addresses current and future societal challenges by unlocking the potential of nature to offer the best ingredients for food, nutrition and health markets. Each of these ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles. Thanks to a constant drive for innovation and a long-term vision, the group is committed to improving the well-being of millions of people all over the world while taking care of resources and territories. Roquette currently operates in over 100 countries, has a turnover of around 3.5 billion euros and employs 8,600 people worldwide.

About Simplot:

The J. R. Simplot Company potato processing plant in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, has an annual capacity of more than 300 million pounds (135 million kilos) of frozen french fries and formed potato products. The plant began operations in 2003, and is among the most efficient facilities of its kind in the world. It was built to accommodate future expansion that could double its initial capacity. The Portage plant serves large quick-service-restaurant chains and other U.S. customers in the East, Southeast, and Midwest.